Board of Trustees of the St. Helena Public Library

Minutes of the Meeting of September 10, 2008

The regular meeting of the Board of Trustees was called to order at 5 p.m. Trustee Chairman Dr. Darter, Lynda Burton, Bonnie Long, Catarina Sanchez, and Julie Dickson were present, as were Friends representative Miriam Hess and Library Director Jennifer Baker.

A motion to approve the consent items was seconded and passed. The minutes of the meeting of August 13 were approved.

Threat to state library funding. A motion passed to direct Jennifer to prepare a second letter to the governor and related legislative members with appropriate modifications, opposing reduction of TBR funds. Trustees are asked to stop by the library in the next few days to sign the new letter. The letter will also be sent to City Council members and local state representatives.

Library Director’s Report. Jennifer reported on the August 25-26 “Think Tank” sessions in LA. She has been asked to serve on the steering committee for NBC and as a liaison on the consolidation of Northern California library reference services.

Friends/Foundation/Board Retreat. The board reviewed the proposed agenda and content for the retreat, to be held at Stonebridge on October 11. Packets with information on each entity and an overview of library funding should be distributed to participants a week in advance. The board expressed appreciation for Mary Stephenson’s leadership.

Library Closure. Inservice training (main topic customer service) will take place on October 13.

Volunteers/Community Outreach. In a preliminary effort to assess community interest and the skills which might be available, a Volunteer Fair will be held September 30, in tandem with the Friends. The possibility of obtaining an intern (e.g. a San Jose State “practicum” library student) to assist in serving the Hispanic community was broached. Catarina suggested that Jennifer address the ELAC (English Learners Advisory Committee) task force which meets monthly at Stonebridge. The board also urged Jennifer to contact Kathy Carrick about the possibility of the library (and its related entities) hosting an information booth at the October 18 Hometown Harvest Festival.

Remodel. Jennifer displayed a set of plans and explained emerging ideas such as replacing the donor “wall” with donor bricks outside the entrance (Dr. Darter will review donor records), placing numerous wi-fi “hot spots” throughout the library, and creating a reading corner with coffee machine in the wine library. HVAC although it needs updating will be addressed separately from the remodel; lighting is adequate but may need to be addressed in the future. Daniel Robinson of the McCracken architectural firm spent a day this week making additional measurements, etc. and will submit refined drawings next week. The board suggested that the updated drawings be displayed at the October 11 retreat.

Maintenance. Lynda asked that Jennifer request maintenance and mulching of the front landscaping.

St. Helena Public Library Foundation. Jennifer reported that the IRS application is almost complete, and that the Friends will be asked for up to $2,000 for the various filing fees. The three members of the initial board (Alston Hayne, Sr., Rob Andreae, and Dr. Darter) met this afternoon: they will consider the additional two members needed to comprise the board, and the drafting of an investment policy and choice of management for the funds.

Friends of the Library. Miriam reported that there will be a book sale October 1 and that National Friends of the Library week is October 19-25. The tentative date for the holiday event (and 40^th anniversary) will be December 10, a Wednesday evening when there will also be a public program. Disbursements have been approved for books, inservice and retreat expenses, and registration fees for CLA. The board was pleased to learn that future disbursements will fund a self-check machine, a face-lift of the teen and children’s areas, and the new reading nook.

Wine Library Association. Julie reported that the 46^th annual winetasting for members August 24 was enhanced by food from Oxbow market, and that CIA was an excellent venue/host for the Varietal Seminar August 23. The NVWLA website is being revamped.

St. Helena Historical Society. Lynda reported that over 500 signatures have been obtained on the society’s petition requesting that the city grant it one acre of the Adams Street parcel. The annual cemetery tour is scheduled for November 1.

Update on General Plan Process. Bonnie advised that community forums will be scheduled shortly, and that the uses of the Adams Street parcel will need to be resolved before the state housing deadline of June 30.

The meeting adjourned at 6:10 p.m.

Julie Dickson, recording secretary